Kyoto feels completely different from the rest of Japan. Where Tokyo rushes forward and Osaka laughs loudly, Kyoto moves slowly and speaks softly. This is the city where Japan’s soul lives. From the moment you arrive, you feel it: the narrow streets, wooden houses, temples tucked between modern buildings, and a calm rhythm that invites you to slow down.
Kyoto is not about ticking off sights quickly. It’s about wandering, observing, and feeling. Some of the most beautiful moments happen when you least expect them — a quiet shrine, a geisha disappearing around a corner, the sound of wind through bamboo. Kyoto doesn’t show itself all at once. It reveals itself gently.
History of Kyoto
Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 until 1868. During this time, it became the cultural, religious, and artistic heart of the country. Temples, shrines, gardens, and traditions developed here that still define Japan today. Kyoto shaped everything from architecture and tea culture to kimono design and etiquette.
How to Get to Kyoto (From Osaka & Tokyo)
Getting to Kyoto is incredibly easy.
From Osaka, Kyoto is only about 15–30 minutes by train. Many travelers even stay in Osaka and visit Kyoto as a day trip — though Kyoto deserves more time.
From Tokyo, the Shinkansen takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s fast, comfortable, and scenic. Kyoto Station itself is modern and impressive, contrasting beautifully with the ancient city surrounding it.
Fushimi Inari Taisha – Endless Torii Gates
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most iconic sights in Japan. Thousands of bright orange torii gates form tunnels up the mountainside. Walking through them feels almost hypnotic. Each gate was donated by a business or individual, and together they create one of the most recognisable landscapes in the country.
The further you walk uphill, the quieter it becomes. Tourists slowly disappear, and nature takes over. This shrine is not just beautiful — it’s spiritual, powerful, and deeply atmospheric.
Kinkaku-ji – The Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji is Kyoto at its most elegant. Covered in gold leaf, the pavilion reflects perfectly in the surrounding pond. The sight is almost unreal, especially on a clear day.
While it’s a popular spot, it still manages to feel peaceful. The gardens guide you slowly around the pavilion, offering different angles and reflections. It’s a reminder of how refined Kyoto’s aesthetics truly are.
Gion – Kyoto’s Traditional Heart
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous historic district. Wooden townhouses, narrow streets, and traditional teahouses define the area. If you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha or maiko moving quietly between appointments.
Gion is best explored in the early evening, when lanterns light up the streets and the atmosphere feels almost cinematic. This is Kyoto at its most romantic.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Nature and Silence
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most photographed places — and for good reason. Tall bamboo stalks stretch high into the sky, swaying gently in the wind. The sound they make is soft and calming, almost like nature whispering.
Early morning is the best time to visit, before the crowds arrive. In those quiet moments, the bamboo grove feels otherworldly.
Arashiyama Village – Beyond the Bamboo
Just beyond the bamboo grove lies Arashiyama village, a charming area with small shops, cafés, temples, and scenic river views. Walking here feels relaxed and local. You can stroll along the river, cross traditional bridges, and enjoy matcha or snacks while taking in the scenery.
This area is perfect for slowing down and spending a few unplanned hours.
River Rafting Near Kyoto – A Different Perspective
One of the most unexpected experiences near Kyoto is river rafting on the Hozu River, just outside the city. Starting near Kameoka, you float down the river surrounded by mountains, cliffs, and forested landscapes.
The rafting is calm and suitable for most people — it’s more about scenery than adrenaline. The trip usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and costs roughly ¥4,000–¥5,000. You end near Arashiyama, making it easy to combine rafting with the bamboo grove and village.
It’s a refreshing way to see Kyoto’s natural side and escape the temples for a moment.
Getting to the Rafting Area
From Kyoto, take the train toward Kameoka. The journey is simple and scenic. From the station, it’s a short walk or transfer to the rafting departure point. Everything is well organised, and staff guide you clearly through the process
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka – Walking Through Old Kyoto
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are two of the most atmospheric streets in all of Kyoto. Walking here feels like stepping straight into the past. Stone-paved paths slope gently downhill, lined with beautifully preserved wooden houses, traditional shops, tea houses, and small cafés. Everything looks exactly how you imagine old Kyoto should look — and somehow, it still feels real, not staged.
These streets connect the lower parts of Kyoto with the famous Kiyomizu-dera area, and for centuries pilgrims have walked this same route. You feel that history with every step. Kimono rental shops, handmade souvenir stores, ceramic shops, and sweet stalls fill the streets, but nothing feels rushed or overly commercial if you take your time.
Early morning is magical here. Before the crowds arrive, the streets are quiet, lanterns are still on, and the sound of your footsteps echoes softly. In the late afternoon, the light turns warm and golden, making the wooden buildings glow. It’s one of the most photogenic areas in Kyoto, but also one of the most charming if you slow down and simply wander.
Dinner in the Old District – Kyoto After Dark
In the evening, I head back into Kyoto’s old district to have dinner in one of the traditional restaurants tucked away in the narrow streets. Once the day visitors are gone, the atmosphere completely changes. Lanterns light up the wooden façades, the streets grow quieter, and everything feels more intimate and authentic.
Inside the restaurant, the pace is slow. Tatami floors, low tables, soft lighting, and carefully presented dishes make the experience feel almost ceremonial. This isn’t fast dining — this is about sitting, tasting, and enjoying every course. Kyoto cuisine is subtle and refined, and eating it here, surrounded by history, makes it even more special.
Dining in the old district at night is one of those moments where Kyoto truly comes alive. It’s calm, elegant, and deeply memorable — the perfect way to end a day of wandering through temples and historic streets.
